Vera Aileen Popham

She was born on October 31, 1934, in Tifton, Georgia, to the late David Monroe Johnson and Clara Williamson Johnson.

She was lovingly known as “Grandma” to all who knew and loved her. Aileen graduated from Cedartown High School in 1953 and went to work for Sewell’s Manufacturing Company in Bremen, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Claude Horton Popham. Together, they built a life centered around faith and family. In 1970, they became residents of Douglas County, Georgia, where they started their own real estate firm, Douglasville Realty, along with an appraisal business.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Smith of Carrollton, Georgia, and Fay Wright of Douglasville, Georgia.

Aileen was a member of Prays Mill Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, and later attended Central Baptist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. She spent her life serving others, whether it was baking her delicious homemade cakes or opening her home and preparing a meal for family and friends. She loved having her family close and shared her love through cooking, caring, and always lending a helping hand. She was always ready to share her faith and the love and salvation of Jesus with those she met along life’s journey.

She found joy each day in the simple things—flowers, butterflies, and birds—and she loved the beauty of God’s masterpiece in each new sunrise and sunset. Music soothed her soul.

Aileen is survived by her children, daughter Debbie (Paul) Forrester of Marietta, Georgia, and son Gerry (Daleena) Popham of Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley (Brian) Harris, Adam Forrester, Amanda (Dominic) Filardi, Grace Popham, Brooke (Carlos) Bennett Congote, Blair (Randy) Bennett Martinez, and Forrest Bennett.

Her great-grandchildren include Kaley Grace Marlow, Mila Filardi, Leo Filardi, Arian Martinez, Maverick Martinez, Bronson Martinez, Malakai Martinez, Klaus Congote, Lola Congote, Morgan Harris and Parker Harris.

She is further survived by Atul (Hinna) Patel, whom she lovingly called her “son” and who affectionately called her “Mama.” Their bond was a treasured part of Aileen’s life.

As well as by her sister-in-law, Beth Popham of Douglasville, Georgia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

The family will receive family and friends at Rosehaven Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 6th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. behind Rosehaven. Dr. David Cooper, Pastor of Mount Paran Church of God, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html) or Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta, Georgia (https://mountparan.com/give).

Pallbearers:

      ●     Don Popham

      ●     Adam Forrester

      ●     Casey Marlow

      ●     Johnny Wells

      ●     Randy Martinez

      ●     Arian Martinez